JP2000155185A - Timer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a timer device that can be easily operated, and at the same time can be easily understood. SOLUTION: A reservation switch 11 can receive the on/off operation of a reservation function. A display part 20 displays reservation time while the reservation function is on. On the other hand, when the reservation function is off, the display part 20 displays current time. The function of the time change switches 12 and 13 is changed so that the time change switches 12 and 13 receive the change operation of the reservation time when the reservation is being displayed on the display part 20, and receive the change of operation of the current time when the current time is being displayed on the display 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a timer provided with a current time display function for displaying the current time and a reservation function for outputting an operation start instruction to a predetermined device when a set reservation time has come. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a timer device for automatically starting the operation of a predetermined device when a reserved time has arrived has a time display unit for displaying the time. One of them is switched and displayed. In such a timer device, usually, a reservation operation switch for turning on / off a reservation function, a reservation setting switch for entering a reservation time change mode, a time setting switch for entering a current time change mode, An hour / minute switch used to change both the time and the current time.

In order to change the reservation time, first, a reservation setting switch is pressed to shift to a reservation time change mode, and then the hour / minute switch is operated. Thereafter, the reservation function is turned on when the reservation operation switch is pressed, and the operation of the device is started when the reservation time comes. To change the current time, press the time setting switch to enter the current time change mode, and then operate the hour / minute switch. In the time display section, the reservation time is displayed during the change of the reservation time and from the time the reservation function is turned on until the reservation time arrives, and the current time is displayed during the other periods. Has become.

[0004] In some cases, the time setting switch in the above example is removed, and the function is provided in the hour / minute switch itself. That is, pressing the hour / minute switch in the normal state enters the current time change mode.

[0005] Further, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2639047 discloses a timer control device in which a single switch is used as a reservation operation switch for turning on / off a reservation function and a reservation setting switch for entering a reservation time change mode. Have been. When the reservation operation switch is depressed, the apparatus enters a reservation time change mode, and thereafter the reservation time change operation is enabled by operating the hour / minute switch. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after pressing the reservation operation switch, the operation exits from the reservation time change mode and the reservation function is automatically turned on.

As another example, Japanese Patent No. 2639047 discloses that, when the reservation operation switch is pressed once, a reservation time change mode is entered and the reservation time can be changed. When the function is turned on and a predetermined time elapses from the first operation to the second operation, or when the third operation is performed, the timer operation is released. .

[0007]

In the case where the reservation setting switch and the reservation operation switch are separately provided, it is necessary to first press the reservation setting switch to change the reservation time to enter the reservation time change mode. In order to turn on the reservation function, it is necessary to press another reservation operation switch, so that the operations are complicated and it is difficult for the user to understand the operation method. In addition, since the number of switches is large, there is a problem that the price of the apparatus rises, and the location of the switches is increased, and the operation unit is enlarged.

On the other hand, in the case where the function of the reservation setting switch is also used as the reservation operation switch, the function of the switch is automatically switched according to the operation history. For example, the reservation time is changed after the reservation function is turned on. In such a case, there is a problem that it is difficult to understand how to perform the operation.

If the reservation operation switch is set to the reservation time change mode by the first operation of the reservation operation switch and the reservation function is turned on by the second operation, the reservation operation switch is set to 2 even if the reservation time does not need to be changed. There is a problem in that the operation must be depressed twice and the operation is complicated, and when only the first operation is inadvertently performed, the reserved operation is canceled, so that an erroneous operation is likely to occur.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the conventional technology, and has as its object to provide a timer device whose operation method is simple and easy to understand.

[0011]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object lies in the following inventions. [1] In a timer device having a current time display function for displaying the current time and a reservation function for outputting an operation start instruction to a predetermined device when a set reservation time has come, a reservation switch (11) And time display means (20)
And a time change switch (12, 13), wherein the reservation switch (11) receives an on / off operation of the reservation function, and the time display means (20)
The reservation time is displayed while the reservation function is set to ON, and the current time is displayed while the reservation function is set to OFF. The time change switches (12, 13) When the time display means (20) is displaying the reservation time, the operation for changing the reservation time is accepted, and when the time display means (20) is displaying the current time, the change of the current time is accepted. A timer device whose function is switched to accept an operation.

[2] The time change switches (12, 1
3) is characterized in that, when a next operation is received within a predetermined time after receiving the previous operation, the next operation is accepted as an effective operation for changing the reservation time or the current time. [1] The timer device according to [1].

[3] The time change switches (12, 1
3) The timer device according to [1], wherein the timer device accepts a change operation of the reserved time or the current time only when the predetermined device is in an operable state.

[4] The time change switches (12, 1
A lock switch (14) is provided for switching between 3) enabling and disabling [1].
The timer device as described in the above.

The present invention operates as follows. The reservation switch (11) receives the on / off operation of the reservation function, and the time display means (20) displays the reservation time while the reservation switch (11) is operated and the reservation function is set to on, The current time is displayed while the reservation function is turned off. Time change switches (12, 13)
Accepts the change operation of the reserved time when the time display means (20) is displaying the reserved time, and accepts the change operation of the current time when the time display means (20) is displaying the current time. Accept.

That is, while the reservation function is on, the reservation time is displayed on the time display means (20), and the reservation time can be changed by the time change switches (12, 13). On the other hand, while the reservation function is off, the reservation time is displayed on the time display means (20), and the current time can be changed by the time change switches (12, 13).

As described above, since each time can be changed without entering the reservation time change mode or the current time change mode, a switch for entering the change mode becomes unnecessary, thereby reducing the apparatus price and the size of the operation unit. In addition, the external appearance of the operation unit can be reduced.

A reservation switch (11) switches on / off a reservation function, and a time change switch (12, 13).
Since each switch has only a single function such as changing the time displayed on the time display means (20), it is extremely easy to understand the operation method. Further, the number of operations for changing the reservation time and turning on / off the reservation function is small and simple. Time change switches (12, 13)
Are used for two purposes, that is, the change of the reservation time and the change of the current time, but are considered to have a single function in the sense of changing the time displayed on the time display means (20). .

Further, when a next operation is received within a certain period of time after receiving the previous operation, a time change switch (so as to receive the next operation as an effective operation for changing the reservation time or the current time). 12 and 13), the current time and the reserved time are not immediately changed even if the time change switch (12, 13) is pressed by mistake when cleaning the operation unit.

In addition, a time change switch (12, 13) is configured to accept a change operation of a reserved time or a current time only when a predetermined device to which an operation start instruction is output is in an operable state. For example, if the operation unit is cleaned while the operation of the device is turned off, it is possible to prevent the current time and the reserved time from being changed by mistake.

Also, by providing a lock switch (14) for switching between enabling and disabling the time change switches (12, 13), time change due to erroneous operation can be prevented. Even when the lock switch (14) and the like are provided, it is ensured that each switch fulfills a single function, so that it is possible to ensure easy understanding of the operation method.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a timer device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The timer device 10 includes a display unit 20 for displaying time and the like, a reservation switch 11 for performing an on / off operation of a reservation function,
The operation panel is provided with a switch 12 for changing the current time or the reserved time, which is for advancing the time, and a switch 13 for returning the time.

The timer device 10 includes, as internal circuits, a current time counting unit 31 for counting the current time, a display control unit 32 for controlling display contents on the display unit 20, and a reservation function set to an ON state. A time-up management unit 33 that monitors whether or not the reserved time has arrived, and outputs a time-up signal 34 as an operation start instruction to a predetermined device when the set reserved time has arrived. It has. The time-up management unit 33 has a memory (not shown) for storing the reserved time, and based on a comparison result between the reserved time stored in this memory and the current time measured by the current time clocking unit 31. A time-up signal 34 is output.

The timer device of the present embodiment is provided in a bath water heater (not shown), and starts an automatic bath operation (performs a reheating operation or a filling operation) when a reservation time comes. An instruction to that effect (time-up signal 34) is output to the control unit of the bath water heater.

The reservation switch 11 is connected to the reservation function on / off switching section 35. The reservation function on / off switching unit 35 switches on / off of the reservation function in accordance with the operation of the reservation switch 11, and a signal indicating the on / off state of the reservation function output from the reservation function on / off switching unit 35 is output to the display control unit 32. , The time-up management unit 33, the current time change unit 36, and the reservation time change unit 37.

Current time changing unit 36, reserved time changing unit 37
Are connected to the advance switch 12 and the return switch 13 via the validity determination unit 38, respectively. The current time changing unit 36 is provided with the switch 12 or the return switch 1 that can be operated under a state where the reservation function is set to off.
3 is operated to change the current time measured by the current time timer 31 based on the operation. The reservation time changing unit 37 is provided with the switch 12 or the return switch 13 that can be operated under a state in which the reservation function is set to ON.
Is operated, the reservation time stored in the internal memory of the time-up management unit 33 is changed based on the operation.

The validity judging unit 38 is a unit for determining whether the operation of the advance switch 12 or the return switch 13 is transmitted to the current time change unit 36 or the reservation time change unit 37 as valid or invalid and discarded as invalid. . When receiving the next operation within a certain period of time after receiving the previous operation, the validity determination unit 38 receives the next operation as a valid operation and transmits it to the current time change unit 36 and the reservation time change unit 37. It has become. Therefore, normally, the first operation is discarded, and when the operations are continuously performed within a certain time period thereafter, the contents of the second and subsequent operations are transmitted to the current time changing unit 36 and the like.

The buzzer 39 generates a predetermined operation confirmation sound when any one of the reservation switch 11, the advance switch 12, and the return switch 13 is pressed. Note that the functions of the above-described circuits are implemented by a CPU (central processing unit) and an RO.
It may be configured by a circuit having M (read only memory) and RAM (random access memory) as main parts.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 2 shows a flow of the operation performed by the timer device 10. When the power of the timer device 10 is turned on, the reservation function is initially set to an off state, and the current time is displayed on the display unit 20 (step S101). After that, if there is an operation of the advance switch 12 or the return switch 13 (step S102;
Y), it is determined whether or not the operation has been performed within a predetermined time (within a valid period) from the previous operation (step S10).
3). Actually, it is determined whether or not the value of the valid period timer that counts down a certain time is “0”.

When the value of this timer is "0", that is, when the current operation has not been performed within a fixed time (within a valid period) from the previous operation (step S103;
N), a count value corresponding to a fixed time is set in the validity period timer (step S104), and step S102 is performed.
Return to Therefore, when the current operation is performed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the previous operation, only the confirmation sound for this operation is emitted, and the time is not changed.

If the count value of the valid period timer is not "0", that is, if the current operation has been performed within a fixed time (within the valid period) from the previous operation (step S103; Y). Then, the count value corresponding to the fixed time is reset in the valid period timer in preparation for the subsequent continuous operation (step S105). Then, it is determined whether the reservation function is currently set to the ON state (step S).
106) If the reservation function is on (step S10)
6; Y), the reservation time currently displayed is changed in accordance with the current operation content (step S107).

While the reservation function is on, as shown in FIG. 3, the character "Reservation" along with the reservation time is displayed on the display unit 20 so that the user can recognize that the reservation function is on.
1 is displayed. On the other hand, if the reservation function is off (step S106; N), the current time being displayed is changed (step S108).

When the reservation switch 11 is operated (step S109; Y), if the reservation function is currently on (step S110; Y), the reservation function is turned off and the current time is displayed on the display unit 20. Is displayed (step S11
1) When the reservation function is off (step S110;
N), the reservation function is turned on, and the character 21 of "reservation" and the reservation time are displayed on the display unit 20 (step S112).

While the reservation function is ON, the time-up management section 33 monitors whether or not the current time has reached the reservation time, and outputs a time-up signal 34 when the reservation time comes.

As described above, the reservation switch 11 is used only for the on / off switching operation of the reservation function, and the advance switch 12 and the return switch 13 are used only for the operation of changing the time displayed on the display unit 20. Has a single function, and the user can easily understand the function of each switch.

Further, since each time can be changed without entering the reservation time change mode or the current time change mode, a switch for entering the change mode is not required, and the apparatus price is reduced and the operation section is downsized. In addition, the appearance of the operation unit can be reduced. Even after the reservation function is turned on, the reservation time can be easily changed, and the operability is improved because the number of switch operations required to change the reservation time and to turn the reservation function on and off is small. .

Further, if the reservation time is displayed on the display section 20, the reservation time is changed by operating the advance switch 12 or the like, and if the current time is displayed on the display section 20, the advance switch 12 or the like is displayed. Since the displayed content and the content to be changed match such that the current time is changed by the operation, the user can easily perform the time changing operation.

Further, only when the next operation is received within a certain period of time after receiving the previous operation, the next operation is accepted as an effective operation for changing the reservation time or the current time. Even if the user accidentally presses the time change switch, the current time or the reserved time is not immediately changed.

FIG. 4 shows a timer device 10b according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, when the next operation is performed within a certain period of time from the previous operation, the next operation is made effective, thereby preventing an erroneous operation. In the embodiment, the erroneous operation is prevented by the lock switch 14. Note that the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the method for preventing erroneous operation is different.

The timer device 10b includes the advanced switch 12
A lock switch 14 is provided for switching between a lock state in which a change operation by the return switch 13 is not accepted and an unlock state in which a change operation is accepted. The lock switch 14 is connected to the validity determination unit 38, and the lock state and the unlock state are alternately switched each time the lock switch 14 is pressed.

When the lock state is set, the validity judging section 38 judges whether to proceed with the switch 12 and the return switch 13
Is operated, the contents of the operation are discarded without being transmitted to the current time changing unit 36 and the like, and the operation contents of the switch 12 and the switch 13 to be returned only when the unlocked state is set are changed to the current time changing unit 36. And so on. While the locked state is set, the display unit 2
The character 22 of "lock" is displayed on the zero.

Even when the lock switch 14 is provided, each switch performs only a single function, so that the user can easily understand the operation method and easily and reliably perform the intended operation. It can be carried out.

FIG. 5 shows a timer device 10c according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, whether or not the operation of the advanced switch 12 and the like is enabled is switched by the lock switch 14. However, in the timer device 10c according to the third embodiment, this timer device 10c is used.
c (in this case, bath water heater)
Whether or not the operation of the switch 12 is allowed is determined depending on whether or not the switch 12 is set to be operable.

The operation switch 15 is a switch for selecting whether the bath water heater is in an operation state (a state in which the hot water can be taken out at any time) or in a halt state (a state in which the burner does not ignite even when the bath water is opened). The operation display lamp 16 is a lamp for displaying whether the vehicle is in an operation state or a hibernation state, and is turned on when in the operation state.

The validity judging section 38 transmits the operation contents of the switch 12 and the like when the vehicle is in the driving state to the current time changing section 36 and the like, and discards and invalidates the operation contents of the switch 12 and the like when the vehicle is in the halt state. It is supposed to. As described above, whether or not to accept the operation from the switch 12 or the like depending on whether or not the device to be activated is ready to start the operation by receiving the time-up signal 34 is switched.
As described above, erroneous operation can be prevented without providing a separate switch.

Normally, when the reservation function is turned on, the driving state is set. Therefore, the change of the reservation time is accepted only when the driving state is in effect. A state can be obtained, and there is no feeling of strangeness in operation.

In each of the embodiments described above, only one reservation time can be set. For example, when a plurality of types of reservation times can be set, the display unit 2 can be set.
What is necessary is just to make it change the reservation time displayed on 0. That is, when the reservation function is turned on at the reservation time 1, the reservation time 1 is displayed on the display unit 20, and the reservation time 1 is changed by operating the switch 12 or the like at this time. When the reservation function based on the reservation time 2 is turned on, the reservation time 2 may be displayed on the display unit 20 and the reservation time 2 may be changed by operating the switch 12 or the like at this time.

In the embodiment, the device to be activated is a bath water heater, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0049]

According to the timer device of the present invention, the current time and the reservation time can be changed without entering the reservation time change mode or the current time change mode, so that a switch for entering the change mode is not required. In addition, it is possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus and the size of the operation unit, and to make the appearance of the operation unit clear.

Also, since the reservation switch switches ON / OFF of the reservation function, and the time change switch changes only the time displayed on the time display means, each switch has only a single function. Is extremely easy, and the number of operations for changing the reservation time and turning on / off the reservation function is small and simple.

Further, if the reservation time is displayed on the time display means, the reservation time is changed by operating the time change switch. If the current time is displayed on the time display means, the operation of the time change switch is performed. Since the displayed content matches the content to be changed, such as when the current time is changed, the user can easily perform an operation for changing the current time or the reserved time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a timer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by the timer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode in a timer function according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a reservation function is on.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a timer device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a timer device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 10b, 10c Timer device 11 Reservation switch 12 Advance switch 13 Return switch 14 Lock switch 15 Operation switch 16 Operation indicator lamp 20 Display unit 31 Current time clock unit 32 Display control unit 33 Time-up management unit 34 Time-up signal 35 Reserved function on / off switching unit 36 Current time change unit 37 Reserved time change unit 38 Validity judgment unit 39 Buzzer

Claims (4)

[Claims] A current time display function for displaying a current time;
A timer device having a reservation function for outputting an operation start instruction to a predetermined device when a set reservation time has arrived, comprising: a reservation switch; a time display unit; and a time change switch. Accepts an on / off operation of the reservation function. The time display unit displays the reservation time while the reservation function is set to on, and displays the reservation time while the reservation function is set to off. The present time is displayed, the time change switch, when the time display means is displaying the reservation time, accepts the operation of changing the reservation time, the time display means displays the current time A timer device whose function is switched so as to accept the operation for changing the current time. 2. The time change switch according to claim 1, wherein when the next operation is received within a predetermined time after receiving the previous operation, the next operation is performed as an effective operation for changing the reservation time or the current time. 2. The timer device according to claim 1, wherein the timer device receives the request. 3. The timer according to claim 1, wherein the time change switch accepts an operation for changing the reserved time or the current time only when the predetermined device is in an operable state. apparatus. 4. The timer device according to claim 1, further comprising a lock switch for switching between enabling and disabling the time change switch.